How To Study Smarter: Memorization vs. Understanding
The pattern in which we studied while we were in elementary school is different from how we study in high school and colleges.
In some cases, you will have to repeat words several times just to remember them. This was the most common learning process used in elementary schools.
Continuous repetition of words does not guarantee you have studied. It is not an effective way of studying smartly.
It will be best if you understand the concept of what you are studying for better understanding.
As we upgrade, the pattern in which we learn and understand also changes. Facts remain that as you progress to higher grades, the focus shifts to critical thinking.
Consequently, you must learn to apply critical thinking concepts to solve practical problems.
5 Ways To Study Smarter
Tips on how to study smarter:
1. Ask For Help From Your Teachers
If you find it difficult to understand the subject content and how to proceed through the various chapters, go directly to your teacher’s office and ask for help.
Call your teacher for a constructive discussion. Remember to be bold in front of them. Most teachers are eager to help students if you ask them for help.
As a student, what you should have in mind is to approach the right professor or teacher that you know will honor your call and help. Understanding the course content is one step closer to studying smart.
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2. Memorize The Formula Immediately
Memorizing vital math formulas and historical data will help you score better in exams. Try to memorize them as your teacher teaches you in class.
If you wait until the end to memorize these topics, you may not be able to understand them fully.
Also, practice math equations every day in your free time to get better results in your exams.
It will help you become familiar with equations and concepts. Practice more to score better in exams. Take note of important details and study smartly.
3. See Past Tests
Referring to past question papers will give you a better idea of exam questions. It keeps you prepared for what you will face in your exams.
You can use these past question papers to practice for upcoming tests. Schools and colleges do not repeat the questions asked earlier, but it will help you understand what to expect in the exam hall. Also, referring to past questions is the most used smart study technique.
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4. Always Remember Names, Not Dates
If you have taken history or literature as your subjects, you will need to learn the names of historical and literary figures before the exams.
If you can get at least 60% of the names of these literary figures, then you are good to go in your exams.
Moreover, the most historical question may not ask you to mention the exact dates of the events, instead, you have to mention the correct names of the various characters while attempting the questions.
You can use mnemonic techniques or flashcards for smart study.
5. Find Motivation To Study
Every student has a motivational factor that helps them study hard to achieve better exam results. Some may learn to acquire knowledge, while others may learn to secure a good job.
There may be different reasons for different students. You have to find your motivation to study smart.
What is the force that makes you go? Find the answer to this question and focus your attention on your goal of achieving better results in exams.
6. Memorization Vs. Understanding
Memorization is useful when you want to remember the information at a given time and effectively remember essential topics and concepts.
On the other hand, understanding the concept will help you use this information whenever and wherever you need it.
So for you to learn the topic better, you should study to understand instead of memorizing.
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Why Understanding Is Better Than Memorization
When you learn to understand a concept, it becomes useful to you in the latter days. But when you memorize, you only remember it for a few days, gradually slipping away.
Understanding helps you understand information on a deeper level, unlike memorization, which only touches the surface.
Understanding helps you grow as a person as no knowledge is a waste. You cannot actualize much knowledge memorizing.
Understanding helps you relate concepts with other concepts, make a comparison and generate positive ideas.
Memorization is useful if you want to recall information at a specific time. Memorization can be useful if you need to remember formulas for an emergency exam.
At the same time, if you understand those formulas, they can be useful to you even after the exams. Memorization is useful when passing an exam.
But besides that, memorizing won’t help. As you know from the above, understanding is much better than memorization because it helps you gain knowledge, perspective, and growth.
Understanding the concepts will also help you apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Conclusion
How to study smarter should be of concern to all students as this will determine their grades in school.
We strongly recommend that you study to understand as that is a way of studying smart. Be sure to tell us your suggestions below in the comment section.